Dennis Dunaway Discusses Alice Cooper’s Revenge, Detroit Origin, and High School Experience
Dennis Dunaway, the original bassist of the Alice Cooper Band, is a key figure in Detroit’s rock ‘n’ roll history. His recent collaboration on the new record, The Revenge of Alice Cooper, brought back the high-energy nostalgia of their early days, as if no time had passed at all. The album, reminiscent of the early ’70s sound, was produced by Bob Ezrin, who provided a unique sonic punch to their music, creating a powerful and raw energy.
The recording process for the album began in 2021 and was completed after four years, with intermittent breaks due to everyone’s schedules. Despite the time gap, whenever they regrouped, the Detroit-inspired edge was undeniably present in their music. This connection to Detroit’s gritty music scene goes back to the late ’60s when the band arrived and immersed themselves in the local avant-garde culture, influenced by other iconic bands like the Stooges and MC5.
One of the standout tracks on the album, “Blood on the Sun,” penned by Dunaway, has a unique backstory. Inspired by late guitarist Glenn Buxton’s collection of TV Guides, Dunaway strung together movie titles from the guides to create the song’s lyrical content. Working closely with producer Bob Ezrin, who has been a part of the Alice Cooper journey since their debut album Love It to Death, brought out the best in the band, with Ezrin acting as a guiding force in their creative process.
The session also saw the band exploring different creative avenues, such as recreating album covers for promotional photos. One instance involved an amusing twist on the Love It to Death cover, replacing the iconic “finger trick” with Alice holding a banana. Additionally, Dennis Dunaway shared his experience of participating in a heartfelt tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at London’s O2 Arena, where they were joined by Johnny Depp on stage.
Reflecting on his Detroit memories, Dunaway reminisced about legendary venues like the Grande Ballroom and the Eastown, where bands like MC5 and the Stooges left a lasting impact. He narrated an amusing encounter involving Iggy Pop and Alice Cooper, highlighting the unpredictable and electric atmosphere of Detroit’s music scene. Another unforgettable moment was the infamous incident of a malfunctioning prop cannon during an Alice Cooper performance, reminiscent of a scene from the movie Spinal Tap.
Despite their decades-long career and numerous road stories, the high-energy grooves on The Revenge of Alice Cooper capture the essence of four high school kids still passionate about creating music. Dennis Dunaway’s return to the studio with the original band members reflects a sense of camaraderie and dedication to their craft that resonates with their fans. The album’s release marks a new chapter in the band’s storied history, showcasing their enduring legacy and commitment to delivering electrifying performances that keep true to their roots.